AP Physics C
Texts and Resources
Tipler, Paul A., Physics for Scientists and Engineers, W.H. Freeman and Co.,1999
Other Resources
AP Central College Board website: http://apcentral.collegeboard.com
Course Overview
AP Physics C is a calculus based physics course that covers a wide range of topics, in two separate university
level courses: Mechanics and Electricity & Magnetism. It adds breadth and builds upon the conceptual
understanding attained in the first high school physics course. It aims the systematic development of the main
principles of physics, emphasizing on problem solving and deeper understanding of concepts. The course is
meant to provide the foundation in physics needed by college students studying physical science and
engineering.
Course Topics
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1st Semester: Mechanics
Data Analysis
Kinematics
Newton’s Laws of Motion
Work, Energy, and Power
Systems of Particles and Linear Momentum
Circular Motion and Rotation
Oscillations & Gravitation
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2nd Semester: Electricity & Magnetism
Electrostatics
Conductors, Capacitors, & Dielectrics
Electric Circuits
Magnetostatics
Electromagnetism
Review for the AP Physics C Exams
Student Directed Project
Expectations
Students in AP Physics C are expected to have a high level of respect for themselves, classmates, the teacher,
and the curriculum. In turn they should expect high levels of respect from classmates and the teacher. In order to
achieve this, the following rules must be followed:
 Preparation—students are expected to bring paper, a writing utensil, school issued tablet computers or
BYOD and all other necessary materials to class each day. They should be prepared to follow the
teacher’s instruction when the bell rings.
 Property— students should not use classmates’ or teacher’s properties without first receiving
permission.
 Cleanliness—students are expected to keep the room clean. No food or drink is allowed in the
classroom
 Personal Electronic Devices—students may use personal electronic devices only under the teacher’s
direction.
Grades/Assignments
Major Grades- 50%
Daily Grades- 45%
Reading Assessment- 5%
Major Grades: Unit tests and projects count as major grades. All tests are curved in the same way as the AP
Physics C Exams. One project is assigned each 9 weeks grading period. They are designed to be challenging and
require students to apply principles they have learned from class to achieve a goal. If all portions of the project
are completed the student’s lowest major grade for the nine weeks will be dropped.
Daily Grades: Examples of daily grades include homework, class activities, quizzes, and labs. Students will
receive one ‘Chuck Norris Pass’ each semester. These passes may be submitted to replace the grade on any daily
grade with a perfect grade. Additional Chuck Norris passes may be earned for exemplary efforts throughout the
school year.
On average, approximately five hours of homework will be given each week. Students must check the
homework keys posted on blackboard and grade their own homework according to the homework grading
policy. Homework with all work shown must be turned in to receive credit.
Each quarter is worth 42.5% of the semester grade. A final exam each semester is worth 15% of the semester
grade.
AP Physics C Tests
There are two separate AP Physics C tests, which are graded separately and count toward college credit and
course placement separately. The AP Physics C: Mechanics test is will be held Monday, May 12th at 12 pm and
the AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism test begins on the same day at 2 pm. Depending on the university, a
score of 3, 4, or 5 may qualify students for college credit hours and/or advanced course placement. Course
placement will depend not only on your score on the AP exam, but also on the quality of your lab notebook.
Each test consists of two equally weighted, 45 minute portions. The first portion on each test consists of 35
multiple choice questions. There is NO penalty for guessing. The second portion of each test consists of 3 free
response questions. Calculators (no calculators with qwerty keyboards allowed) and equation sheets provided by
College Board may be used on both portions of both tests. The AP Physics C exam will not deduct points for
incorrect significant figures.
The AP Physics C exams are extremely difficult. On an average year, a 66% will earn a 5, a 52% will earn a 4,
and a 39% will earn a 3 on the Mechanics test and a 60% will earn a 5, a 42% will earn a 4, and a 30% will earn
a 3 on the Electricity & Magnetism test.
Letter Grade Scale
90-100% = A
80-89% = B
70-79% = C
Below 70% = F
Late Work Policy
The district Policy is: One day late: 25% off, Two days late: 25% off, 3 days late: 0.
Absences
It is strongly recommended that students come in for tutorial as soon as they can after an absence to catch up on
material and activities missed in class. Students are responsible for turning in homework assignments and labs
due on the day that they missed their next time at class. For extended absences students will have one extra day
for each day absent to turn in assignments. If students miss a lab or test, they can schedule with the teacher for a
time to complete the lab or test. Class activities may not be made up for points.
Additional information regarding programs in Clear Creek ISD may be found on the internet at http://ccisd.net
*Complete the google form at:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Mkm9VkNU7SB4uE1Jw7pYeBCKBF8fJi7xHDzYrMht3Xs/viewform?c=0&w=1&u
sp=mail_form_link
**Sign up for class email or text message reminders at: https://www.remind.com/join/544a3
AP Physics C Unit Schedule—1st Semester: Mechanics Teacher: Black Test Days: Odd Days; 1st 9 Weeks Test: 10/16 Unit Data Analysis 1 Instruction Begins 8/25 Kinematics 2 9/2 8/29 (Quiz) 9/15 Newton’s Laws of Motion 2.5 9/17 10/1 High Speed Motion Analysis Project Work, Energy, & Power ‐ 9/18 10/16 (Project Due) 2 10/6 10/16 2 End of 1st 9 Weeks 10/20 11/3 Systems of Particles and Linear Momentum Circular Motion & Rotation Oscillations & Gravitation 1st Semester Study Sheet Project Weeks 2.5 11/5 2 0.5 Test Date 11/21 Missing/Disrupted Instructional Days Holiday: 9/1 Late Arrival: 9/18 Professional Development: 10/3 PSAT Testing: 10/15 Late Arrival: 10/30 Late Arrival: 11/20 Thanksgiving Break 12/1 12/11 12/13 Day of Final (Project Due) Final Exams & Christmas Break *These plans are subject to change throughout the year as necessary, this is just the proposed schedule* AP Physics C Unit Schedule—2nd Semester: E & M Teacher: Black Test Days: Odd Days; 3rd 9 Weeks Test: 3/4 Unit Weeks Instruction Begins Electric Fields 3 1/6 Test Date 1/27 Electric Potential & Capacitors 3 1/29 2/13 Electric Circuits 2 2/18 3/4 Missing/Disrupted Instructional Days Professional Development: 1/19 Late Arrival: 1/29 Late Arrival: 2/12 Professional Development: 2/16 Late Arrival: 2/26 Late Arrival: 3/12 Home Made Van ‐ 1/13 3/6 de Graaff Project (Project Due) End of 3rd 9 Weeks—Spring Break during Magnetostatics Unit Magnetostatics 2.5 3/9 4/1 Spring Break: 3/14‐3/18 Electromagnetism 3 4/6 4/23 Late Arrival: 4/16 AP Test Review 2 4/27 AP TESTS 5/11 Mechanics @ Noon E & M @ 2 pm Go Over Released 1 5/12 5/15 AP Test FRQs and The Elegant Universe Student Directed 2 5/18 5/29 Holiday: Project 5/25 Final Exams & Summer Break *These plans are subject to change throughout the year as necessary, this is just the proposed schedule*